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What to Wear on a Teen Adventure Trip?

What to Wear on a Teen Adventure Trip?

Wednesday, December 01, 2021

When your teen registers for adventure camp, there is so much to which they can look forward to. The anticipation builds from the moment you register to the day they begin packing their bags. They can’t wait to experience camp, see God’s creation, and make new friends. 

While all the excitement and buzz may be attributed to the camp itself, preparation is among the primary benefits of the overall experience. 

 

While we take care of the details for your teen’s Adventure Camp experience, there is still planning for them to do. Your child will benefit from preparing for their adventure long before you take them to the airport.” - From Six Ways Children Develop Vital Skills Through Adventure Camp.

Figuring out what your teen is going to wear during adventure camp is much more than mere fashion. It’s an opportunity for them to research outdoor products and learn everything they need to know about the necessary gear for being comfortable while exploring the outdoors. This will naturally lead them to researching more about the location they’ll be visiting, as well.

This article will help you kick off your research.

Basic Packing Principles for Adventure Camp

Here are packing principles to remember:

  1. You’re not in the dark: For Created for Adventure’s camps, each participant will receive a packing list in their parent information guidebook. There are items that are required to bring on trips to ensure safe and comfortable adventures.
  2. Start early: Packing for adventure camp is a process. If your teen waits until the night before, you all will be stressed before the big adventure. Plan for success by making your packing list and finding your supplies in advance.
  3. Pack as light as possible: Adventure camp is not a traditional vacation. Prepare to pack light. That may not mean packing fewer items, as much as it means utilizing the type of gear meant for adventure. Purposely designed adventure gear will weigh less and be more packable. 
  4. Be prepared for all weather: While summer in your area might be hot and humid, adventure camp locations may still have snow on the ground. Your teen may spend time hiking in the desert and exploring glaciers on the same trip. It is important to make sure they are prepared for all temperatures and precipitation.
  5. Break-in your gear: If your teen is going to be using brand new gear, such as waterproof hiking boots, it is important to make sure they break it in before the trip. 
  6. Consider gear an investment: Outdoor gear can be expensive; however, it is also an investment for a future adventurer. Also, consignment shops like Second Gear in Asheville often have like-new clothing and footwear at great prices. Plus, if your teen is still growing, gear holds its value well, so you can likely resell anything they will outgrow.  
  7. Ask an adventure veteran: Connecting your teen with someone that has experience in the outdoors is a good way to better understand what they will need for their trip and future outdoor exploration.

What You Need to Know About Purchasing Gear

This section will help you better understand outdoor gear language and options:

Hiking Footwear

When hiking is part of your adventure, comfortable shoes make all the difference. There are three basic categories of footwear:

  • Full-height boot: These boots will be the heaviest but provide the most ankle support.
  • Mid-height or three-quarter height boots: These boots will be lighter while still providing substantial support.
  • Hiking shoes: Hiking shoes are typically low-top and breathable while being more rugged than a traditional tennis shoe. 

Choosing between types of boots or hiking shoes will depend on the types of hiking your teen will be doing, weather conditions, and their comfort. It may be wise to include a combination of boots and shoes for an adventure camp. It is also wise to invest in waterproof boots. 

Rain Gear

The right rain gear can make all the difference if your teen gets caught in a summer shower. Here’s what you need to know about choosing the right rain gear:

  • Waterproof and breathable: During a summer adventure camp, a waterproof jacket that is also breathable is perfect for most conditions. 
  • Water-resistant: Water-resistant is not necessarily waterproof. 
  • Packable: A large jacket may be protective against the rain, but if it’s not packable, it may be left behind at basecamp and useless to your teen on a hike. 
  • Quality: You want to make sure your teen’s rain gear is high quality and able to protect them against the elements. 

Synthetic and Wool vs. Cotton

While cotton material is light and breathable in most cases, when it gets wet, it is heavy and slow to dry. 

For adventure camps, synthetic materials and wool are often preferable. These materials are sturdy, keep moisture away from the skin, and feel comfortable during long days in the backcountry. 

Fleece for Warmth

The days may be plenty warm, but nights around the campfire can be quite chilly in most of our Adventure Camp locations. Having a high-quality fleece pullover or jacket will be key for your teen staying warm and comfortable. 

Comfortable Socks

The right socks can make hiking over rocks and boulders feel like walking among the clouds. We recommend Smartwool or Darn Tough Vermont socks.  Do not neglect to pack high-quality socks for an adventure camp. 

Created for Adventure - Teen Adventure Camps in 2021

If reading about packing for adventure camps fueled your desire to see your teen join one of our camps, there is still space available. Contact us or explore our camps online for more information, and feel free to ask us any questions you have about packing for adventure.